Ch. VII, 6) ECONOMICS OP FRUITS 371 



plant energy from superfluous vegetation to optimum fruit 

 formation ; grafting to preserve and multiply a desirable new 

 variety or sport ; ftpraying and other like methods, including 

 the use of poisonous gases, to combat parasitic fungi and 

 insects; plant breeding for the development of better or im- 

 mune new kinds ; and ventilation, of greenhouses or store- 

 houses, to aid the larger plants and fruits in resisting dis- 

 ease Fungi. Fine fruits are commonly wrapped inch\aduallj' 

 for transport, chiefly to prevent the breaking of the skin, 

 which not only injures their appearance, but breaks their 

 first line of defense against Fungi. 



